Serbian tennis player Hamad Medjedovic was forced to retire from his first-round Wimbledon match against Sebastian Ofner after suffering two agonising falls in consecutive points during a crucial first-set tiebreak.
The 21-year-old, who has received significant financial backing from Novak Djokovic, collapsed in pain with an apparent leg injury on Court 8 and eventually withdrew whilst trailing 3-1 in the second set.
Medjedovic's first horrific slip occurred at 8-7 in the tiebreak when he held set point.
His legs gave way as he attempted to change direction, leaving him writhing on the ground as his racquet flew from his hand.
The world no 68 was left in pain after the agonising slips
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The umpire immediately rushed down from his chair to check on the player whilst a ball girl provided shade with an umbrella.
Ofner came around the net as concerned team members watched from Medjedovic's box.
Following approximately five minutes of treatment from a physio on his right thigh and hip area, Medjedovic limped back to his chair but chose to continue playing.
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Hamad Medjedovic entered the tournament in good form
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Remarkably, on the very next point, he suffered another nasty fall as his left ankle buckled on the fresh grass.
He lost both points to drop the first set 7-6(8) and left the court for a medical time-out lasting around 13 minutes.
Medjedovic's career has been significantly influenced by compatriot Djokovic, who took the teenager under his wing when he trained at the 24-time Grand Slam winner's tennis centre aged 16.
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Djokovic provided crucial financial support for the young player, covering his training, transport and support costs.
This investment proved successful when Medjedovic won the ATP Next Gen Finals in December 2023, earning more than £370,000 as the undefeated champion.
The world No. 68 had arrived at Wimbledon in good form, having reached the third round at the French Open and the quarter-finals at last week's ATP 250 event in Mallorca.
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Hamad Medjedovic was looking for his first victory at SW19
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Despite attempting to continue after returning from the medical time-out, Medjedovic managed only to hold his opening service game before Ofner reeled off three consecutive games.
The physio remained courtside and spoke with the Serbian during a changeover, but it became clear he could not continue.
Medjedovic's retirement denied him the opportunity to secure his first-ever victory at SW19.
The result gave Ofner his first match win at the All England Club since 2017, when he reached the third round.
The Austrian world No. 165 will now face 13th seed Tommy Paul in the second round.
Medjedovic's retirement followed Stefanos Tsitsipas's withdrawal from his first-round match on Monday, while in the women's Ons Jabeur left the court in tears after just 30 minutes.
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